Owner Woody Johnson made the announcement in a statement, thanking Tannenbaum for his "hard work and dedication" and building teams that went to the AFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons, but ultimately "we are not where we want to be, and a new general manager will be critical to getting this team back on the right track."

No decision was announced about offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who took a lot of heat for the team's lackluster offense and his inability to use Tim Tebow effectively.

Ryan, whose scheduled news conference was canceled, did not speak to the media. A team spokesman said it was an "organizational decision."

Tannenbaum thanked Johnson for helping him fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a GM.

"I feel very fortunate to have been the general manager who drafted cornerstone players during a period that yielded four playoff victories and 22 Pro Bowl appearances," Tannenbaum said in a statement. "There are champions on this team that haven't been crowned yet."

I am confident that the base we've established will allow the New York Jets to continue a winning tradition for years to come and I wish everyone in the organization the best of luck."

An emotional Tannenbaum addressed the team in Monday morning, expressing his gratitude and support to the players he helped sign during his seven years as GM.

"He basically just let us know how proud he was and to take advantage of your opportunity when you get it," backup tight end Jeff Cumberland said.

Johnson, who did not attend Sunday's 28-9 loss in Buffalo, was at the Jets' practice facility Monday but did not meet with the media. Instead, players were left to field questions about their uncertain futures and those of their coaches.

"It's tough because Mike took a chance on me," said DeVito, who signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007. "He gave me my first shot in the NFL. And that's allowed me to provide for my family and to have a great life and to be very blessed. So it's always tough to see something like that. But I know somebody like Mike -- with his background and the type of person he is -- I know he'll land on his feet."

"I definitely support him 110 percent. Most definitely," said pending free-agent safety LaRon Landry, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl. "He's the whole reason I came here, he's definitely a key point in coming back."

Even embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was benched by Ryan after Week 15, is glad his coach will return. "We've had a lot of wins together and there's more to come," Sanchez said. "I'm confident that Rex can take us where we need to go."

League sources confirmed that the Jets have asked permission to interview Giants director of college scouting Marc Ross and 49ers director of player personnel Tom Gamble.

"Like all Jets fans, I am disappointed with this year's results," Johnson said in his statement. "However, I am confident that this change will best position our team for greater success going forward."

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